Ad Hoc Open-Ended Intergovernmental Group of Experts
on Energy and Sustainable DevelopmentNew York,
6-10 March 2000

Highlights from Thursday, 9 March

The
Group met in the morning to discuss the intersessional programme
of work and provisional agenda for its next session, to be held
prior to the ninth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
(CSD-9). In the afternoon, the Expert Group considered the second
draft of the Co-Chairs’ Summary of the discussion on key issues.

Co-Chair
Irene Freudenschuss Reichl, Austria, with Portugal, who is speaking
for the European Union

The
draft Co-Chairs Summary Co-Chair Salamat introduced the revised
draft summary and called for the identification of points that may
be missing, reminding delegates not to undertake a drafting exercise.
The EU, with Saudi Arabia, requested more time to consider the document.
Noting that the meeting had already been delayed, the Co-Chair proposed
continuing with discussions to enable delegates to take account of
others’ input. The Co-Chair reminded delegates that the document is
not a negotiating text. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 pm in response
to the EU’s point of order in which he reminded the Co-Chairs that
requests for adjournments made by groups of countries are usually
respected. He said that in the absence of a group position, EU member
countries would be taking the floor in their individual capacity.
A G-77/China proposal to adjourn was welcomed by the EU. The Expert
Group resumed discussion at 5:55 PM to exchange views on the Draft
Co-Chairs’ Summary.

Portugal,
representing the EU, speaks to Co-Chairs Salamat and Freudenschuss-Reich
(left) and Nigeria. The EU noted the purpose of the CO-Chairs’ Draft
is to reflect the results of the discussion, including points upon
which delegates could not agree. He called on the CO-Chairs to consider
the EU’s background paper, noting in particular the issues of market
reform, liberalization, and internalization of externalities.

Nigeria, speaking
for the G-77/China, expressed concern with the EU's proposed additions
to the text (see above). Noting the role of existing energy systems
in promoting economic development, the he disputed the statement that
“current energy systems do not support the goals of sustainable development.”

The United
Kingdom proposed to reinsert reference to enhanced
transparency and voiced concerns about the categorical tone of the
second CO-Chairs draft Summary. He preferred the earlier draft in
which reference was made to the “current unsustainable pattern of
production and use of energy.”

Angela Churie,
ENB writer, speaks with Brazil

Brazil
expressed concern with the EU’s imposition of its own political
agenda and proposed refraining from heavily politicized debates
that block discussion, calling for a return to the positive tone
of the morning.

On
renewable energy, Saudi Arabia asked for the deletion
of a paragraph on investment initiatives for renewable energy technologies,
describing them as subsidies. On Advanced Fossil and Nuclear Fuel
Technologies, he questioned further spending on nuclear technology,
in the light of its drawbacks.On energy and transportation, he suggested
deleting reference to “negative environmental and social impacts
of transportation.”

Regarding
energy efficiency, Egypt emphasized the concept of "energy
for sustainable development” rather than “sustainable energy.” He
was surprised that the document did not refer to “common but differentiated
responsibilities.”

Canada
supported nuclear technology as an option for sustainable development.
The US drew attention to reference to the role of nuclear energy
for a sustainable energy future in a CENRD ReportItaly, supported
by Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium, Republic of Korea, and the
Netherlands, expressed concern at consideration of nuclear power
as a means to achieve sustainable development.

Sweden
encouraged countries and international organizations to facilitate
stakeholder dialogues, especially with LDCs. Supporting the regional
perspective, he said these could contribute directly to preparations
by the Expert Group and provide a bridge for cooperation among regional
stakeholders.

Austria
invited
delegates to visit and contribute to the web-site www.sustainable-energy.org,
which is to become a comprehensive online clearinghouse. He also
announced the launch of a Global Forum on Sustainable Energy. The
Forum will create a multi-stakeholder process to influence institutions
and act as a platform for public-private dialogue on sustainable
energy. He noted a workshop on energy efficiency in transport to
be held in May, and co-hosted with the UN Department of Economic
and Social Affairs (DESA).

The
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
described an inter-parliamentary project in partnership with the EU,
which examines regulation of the energy sector. He noted a regional
project with Germany on energy policies for sustainable development,
involving national and sub-regional studies.